United Kingdom: Six remarkable actors have been confirmed as part of the cast for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter Television Series. Four of these members have been cast for popular reoccurring roles for the series helmed by HBO.
The series is set to premier in 2026, according to the recent communications from the executive producers. The team has roped in 6 celebrated artists for the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Rubeus Hagrid, Argus Filch and Quirinus Quirrel
The role of the beloved Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore will be played by the veteran actor and Emmy Award Winner John Lithgow. He was previously seen in the acclaimed show Conclave
Gryffindor House House Head, Professor of Transfiguration, Minerva McGonagall will be brought alive for the silver screen by Oscar Nominee Janet McTeer. McTeer was previously a member of the cast for Netflix Original ‘Ozark’.
One of the most controversial castings comes in the form of ‘Black Mirror’ Fame, Paapa Essiedu. He would be donning the robes of Severus Snape, who was previously played by the legendary Alan Rickman.
Sir Rickman, who died after a long and brave battle with cancer in 2016, was a fan favorite. He was one of the major reasons for the unprecedented popularity of the potions professor.
The role of beloved gentle giant, Hogwarts Gamekeeper will be played by Nick Frost. Frost was previously a member of the ‘Shaun of the Dead’ Cast and has been received with much love.
Luke Thallon has been confirmed for the role of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirinus Quirrel. Paul Whitehouse, who was previously seen in Harry & Paul will be playing Argus Filch.
Controversy Surrounding Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Severus Snape
His portrayal of the misunderstood gray shaded character of Severus Snape Across eight Harry Potter Movies has immortalised Rickman in the minds of the fans. Another reason for Paapa Essiedu receiving mixed response for his casting is that he is a person of color.
Snape, in the source material of seven books, as well as the original eight film series, is described as a having a pale complexion. The casting of Paapa Essiedu has been confirmed for months, and while a section of fans remains faithful to the portrayal of Rickman, many of the newer generation come with an open mind and a more liberal attitude.
The HBO Execs have confirmed that they will be creating a faithful adapation of JK Rowling’s Seven Books Series. The books, originally published from 1998 to 2006 have been a favorite of billions of readers, with several billion copies sold in the last 2 decades and half.